The Toyota RAV4 holds the title of the best-selling car globally, with over 1.1 million units sold last year. At the top of the lineup sits the plug-in hybrid version, the RAV4 Prime (now called the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid). This variant offers a solid option for those considering a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), as it provides an electric-only driving range of 42 miles, powered by an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. However, the increased electric range does result in longer charging times, so investing in a Level 2 home charger might be worth considering for RAV4 Prime owners.
Before proceeding with installing a 240-volt outlet and purchasing an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) for faster charging, there are some factors to keep in mind. Notably, charging speeds on a Level 2 charger vary depending on the RAV4 Prime model. The optional 6.6-kW onboard charger is exclusive to the XSE trim; otherwise, the RAV4 Prime comes with a 3.3-kW onboard charger, which delivers slower charging speeds.
If you’re contemplating whether or not a Level 2 charger is necessary, this guide will provide the information needed to make an informed decision.
Level 1 charging
Toyota includes a standard charging cable with every RAV4 Prime, which is compatible with a typical household 120-volt outlet. This is a Level 1 charger, which delivers around 4 miles of range per hour, meaning it takes approximately 10.5 to 12 hours to fully recharge the battery pack from empty. Given that the RAV4 Prime has a longer range than many other PHEVs on the market, some owners may find Level 1 charging sufficient for their needs. If your daily commute falls within the vehicle’s electric range and you charge overnight, there might not be a strong reason to invest in a Level 2 charger.
For those who make multiple trips throughout the day and have opportunities to recharge between them, a Level 2 charger could be advantageous. This is especially relevant if your daily driving regularly exceeds 42 miles and you want to maximize your electric-only driving range. For instance, with just two hours between trips, Level 1 charging provides around 8 miles of range, whereas a Level 2 charger would offer significantly more, depending on your onboard charger.
If you plan to rely solely on Level 1 charging, the onboard charger’s capacity—whether it’s 3.3-kW or 6.6-kW—won’t matter. The 120-volt Level 1 outlet only supplies 1.44 kW of power, so the charging time remains the same at roughly 10.5 to 12 hours for a full charge.
Level 2 charging
For owners with the 3.3-kW onboard charger, the RAV4 Prime takes approximately 4.5 hours to charge from empty with a Level 2 charger. In contrast, the XSE model with the 6.6-kW onboard charger reduces charging time to around 2.5 hours. Whether you need the 6.6-kW charger largely depends on your driving habits. If you have gaps between trips, the faster charging capability might be worthwhile.
Choosing the right Level 2 charger also requires knowing which onboard charger your vehicle has. If equipped with the 3.3-kW charger, there’s no advantage in purchasing a high-amperage Level 2 charger, as you won’t gain any additional speed. If your primary concern is charging the RAV4 Prime and you’re not planning to switch to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the future, a 32-amp EVSE is sufficient, since it provides a maximum output of 7.7 kW.
For non-XSE models equipped with the 3.3-kW charger, a Level 2 charger will add 9 to 10 miles of range per hour. The 6.6-kW charger, found in XSE models, provides about 18 to 20 miles per hour of charging, assuming the Level 2 charger offers at least 6.6 kW. Actual charging rates can vary based on different factors, but these figures offer a general guideline.
Recommended Level 2 home EV charger
The RAV4 Prime XSE has a maximum charging rate of 6.6 kW, making a 32-amp charger sufficient. However, if you anticipate purchasing a BEV in the future, consider investing in a 40- or even 48-amp charger, which will be more versatile and future-proof for your charging needs.
It’s important to remember that a Level 2 charger requires a 240-volt outlet for plug-in options. There are also hardwired EVSE units, which would need a dedicated circuit breaker.
If you decide that faster Level 2 charging is right for you, the Emporia Level 2 EV charger comes highly recommended. It is available in 48-amp versions. For the RAV4 Prime, that’s more than enough for the job, delivering over 10 kW—more than the RAV4 Prime’s maximum acceptance rate of 6.6 kW. If you’re planning on upgrading to a BEV later, you’re already ahead of the game.
- Versatile Installation Options: Preconfigured for NEMA Type 14-50P compliant with 2017 NEC Section…
The Emporia is a reliable charging solution that has been tested extensively. The home version is WiFi-enabled, allowing you to control charging remotely via the app. This app provides scheduling features to optimize charging during off-peak hours, reminders, notifications, and more. It’s also compatible with Amazon Echo or Alexa, allowing voice command control if desired.
Post updates
- Updated (11:18 am EDT, 10/02/2024): Updated to remove all references to Enel X’s JuiceBox, since the company is no longer in operation in North America.
- Updated (6:38 pm EDT, 09/27/2024): Added the news about the RAV4 Prime now being called the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid for 2025 and beyond.
